Second Language Track

Overview

The Spanish as a Second Language learners are those students with no previous background or formal education in Spanish. As part of the core curriculum UH requires 6 credits in a foreign language which can be fulfilled in the Spanish Program.

The MAIN GOAL of this Program is to develop communicative skills through materials and activities specifically designed for Spanish as a Second Language learners. Classroom activities focus on developing oral, listening, reading and writing abilities in a variety of formal and informal contexts. In addition, each course incorporates specific materials and projects to develop greater familiarity with Hispanic cultures around the world and with the community I Houston.

The Program classes implement current research in Second-Language Acquisition, and Language Learning methodologies based on the general Communicative Approach framework promoted by ACTFL and partner institutions. The courses offered in the Program include Elementary and Intermediated Spanish. Students who successfully complete the Intermediated Level in this program fulfill the foreign language requirement and are encouraged to enroll in more advanced classes. The Hispanic Department offers a variety of undergraduate-level classes that includes linguistics, literature and cultural topics. For more information on Spanish Minor and Major visit the Spanish Undergraduate Program.

In order to enroll in any of the classes offered students must take the Spanish Placement Test for non- native speakers

Director of the Spanish as a Second Language ProgramAlejandra Balestra, Ph.D.Office: 449 AHPhone: 743 713-9914Email: abalestr@central.uh.edu

Course Offering

The following courses are taught on Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. (Before registration please check the semester course listing). Enrollment is subject to Placement

It is a basic language class designed for students who enter with some knowledge of Spanish. Emphasis on basic grammar structures (past tenses, gustar, commands, direct and indirect pronouns, comparatives, por-para and introduction to subjunctive) and core vocabulary. Conversation on familiar topics, reading and writing activities.Prerequisites: 1501 or Placement Exam

Elementary

1505

It is an intensive language class designed for students with some formal background in Spanish, mostly in High School. This is a fast paced course not suitable for all students. Emphasis on basic grammar structures (simple and progressive present and past tenses, verbs ser, estar, tener, haber, gustar, adjectives and nouns agreement, commands, direct and indirect object pronouns, comparatives, por-para, future tense, present subjunctive) and core vocabulary. Conversation on familiar topics, reading and writing activities. Prerequisites: Two or more years of High School Spanish AND Placement Exam

Intermediate

2301

It is the first intermediate language class designed for students who enter with good basic knowledge of Spanish. Emphasis on basic-to-intermediate grammar structures (uses of present, past, and compound tenses, verbs similar to gustar, commands, direct and indirect pronouns usage, reflexive verbs, present subjunctive, impersonal se). Expansion of core vocabulary; conversation on general topics, reading and writing activities. Prerequisites: 1502, 1505 or Placement Exam

Intermediate

2302

It is the second intermediate language class designed for students who enter with good basic knowledge of Spanish. Emphasis on basic-to-intermediate grammar structures (future and conditional tenses, present and past subjunctive, relative and other pronouns). Expansion of core vocabulary. Conversation on general topics, reading and writing activities.

Important Note: Students cannot enroll in any Spanish Language Program (Second Language or Heritage Language) if they have not taken the Placement Exam required in each track. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in being dropped from the class.

Events

The Spanish Language Program hosts a series of events through the year; events focus on cultural topics and promote understanding and appreciation of the Hispanic Cultures around the world.

In addition, each course section participates in different events organized by instructors; these events include museums visits, dining at a Hispanic restaurant, food fairs and dance lessons.

Discovery Languages at UH.

February is Discovery Languages Month, and the Spanish Program co-host this event with the Department of Modern and Classical Languages seeking to showcase Language Programs at UH and promote Foreign Language learning.

Día de los Muertos.

Following the traditional celebration of Day of the Death, the Spanish Program works with students and instructors to design, build and showcase several altars honoring departed ones. Each altar includes offerings from all participants which makes the altars a community work as well as a relevant cultural practice.

Hispanic Studies Program Awards Ceremony.

Each year, the Spanish Program recognizes Excellence in Teaching and presents three different awards to Spanish instructors who have exceled in their teaching labor: the “Emma Lopez Teaching Excellence Award for Lecturers”, the “Teaching Excellence Award for Teaching Fellows” and the “Teaching Excellence Award for Teaching Assistants”.

Contact information

Director of the Spanish as a Second Language ProgramAlejandra Balestra, Ph.D.Office: 449 AHPhone: 743 713-9914Email: abalestr@central.uh.edu